PREMIER Annastacia Palaszczuk says her five new assistant ministers will strengthen the Palaszczuk Government’s presence and its delivery for regional Queensland.

That’s despite Ipswich-based Jennifer Howard being the most western based MP in the line-up. The other four assistant ministers are: Glenn Butcher (Gladstone), Julieanne Gilbert (Mackay), Brittany Lauga (Keppel), and Meaghan Scanlon (Gold Coast).

None of the five have been appointed to assist with Queensland’s $20 billion agricultural sector.

In fact, only two of the 18 frontbench ministers announced this afternoon are from out outside Brisbane. They are Cairns-based MP Craig Crawford and Townsville-based MP Coralee O’Rourke.

“My government represents Queensland from the Torres Strait to the Gold Coast and all major regional centres in between – including Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Rockhampton, Gladstone and Maryborough,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“We are determined to continue to work with businesses, communities and local government across Queensland to ensure we maximise the opportunities for creating jobs and delivering frontline services, particularly in areas of health of education.”